RNAi VITAMIN D CONJUGATES

ABSTRACT

The invention provides non-hormonal vitamin D conjugated to therapeutic RNA compounds that result in the compounds having increased absorption, bioavailability or circulating half-life when compared to non-conjugated forms. The vitamin D targeting groups are coupled to the therapeutic RNA compounds via the third carbon on the vitamin D backbone.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing that has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Nov. 9, 2015, is named XTND008US1_SL.txt and is 11,003 bytes in size.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides non-hormonal vitamin D conjugated to therapeutic RNA compounds that result in the compounds having increased absorption, bioavailability or circulating half-life when compared to non-conjugated forms. The vitamin D targeting groups are coupled to the therapeutic RNA compounds via the third carbon on the vitamin D backbone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to improving the potency, absorption or pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic RNA compounds to certain vitamin D forms. Vitamin D plays a role in calcium, phosphate, and bone homeostasis. The hormonal activity of vitamin D is mediated through binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). It enters the nucleus where it binds to the vitamin D receptor element (VDRE) present in the promoters of a subset of genes that are thus responsive to hormonal Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. Several forms (vitamers) of vitamin D exist. The two major forms are vitamin D₂ or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D₃ or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D without a subscript refers to vitamin D₂, D₃ or other forms known in the art. In humans, vitamin D can be ingested as cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) or ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂). The major source of vitamin D for most humans is sunlight. Once vitamin D is made in the skin or ingested, it needs to be activated by a series of hydroxylation steps, first to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D₃) in the liver and then to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1α,25(OH)2D₃) in the kidney. 1α,25(OH)2D₃ is the active “hormonal” form of vitamin D because it binds to VDR. 25(OH)D₃ is the “non-hormonal” form of vitamin D and is the major circulating form in the human body. It binds the vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP). It is only converted to the hormonal form as needed. An example of a non-hormonal vitamin D form is one that lacks a 1α-hydroxyl group. Non-hormonal vitamin D forms have a greatly reduced affinity for VDR and a greatly increased affinity for DBP.

DBP is the principal transporter of vitamin D metabolites. Its concentration in the plasma is 6-7 μM and has been detected in all fluid compartments. DBP concentrations exceed the physiological vitamin D metabolite concentrations. DBP is important for the translocation of vitamin D from the skin into circulation, and across cell membranes into the cytoplasm where vitamin D is activated into the hormonal form. The affinity of non-hormonal Vitamin D for DBP is significantly higher than the affinity of the hormonal form. In contrast, the affinity of the hormonal form to VDR is significantly than the non-hormonal form.

Vitamin D and vitamin D analogs have been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Vitamin D has also been shown to inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation in normal as well as cancer cells. The level of vitamin D required for this activity causes severe toxicity in the form of hypercalcemia. Analogs of vitamin D have been approved for the treatment of psoriasis and others are currently being tested for cancer treatment. Many of the analogs discovered to have a reduced calcemic effect contain side-chain modifications. These modifications do not greatly affect VDR binding, and thus, in cell-based proliferation assays, show equal or even increased efficacy. It was shown, however, that many of these modifications reduce binding to DBP and thereby reduce the half-life in the bloodstream.

The addition of poly(ethylene glycol) or (PEG) is a known method of increasing the half-life of some compounds by reducing kidney clearance, reducing aggregation, and diminishing potentially unwanted immune recognition (Jain, Crit. Rev. Ther. Drug Carrier Syst. 25:403-447 (2008)). The PEG is typically used at a considerably large size (20-40 kDa) to maximize the half-life in circulation. This can be accomplished by using either a single large PEG or multiple smaller PEGs attached to the compound. (Clark et al. J. Biol. Chem. 271:21969-21977 (1996); Fishburn, J. Pharm. Sci. 97:4167-4183 (2008)).

Absorption is a primary focus in drug development and medicinal chemistry because a drug must be absorbed before any medicinal effects can take place. A drug's absorption profile can be affected by many factors. Additionally, the absorption properties of therapeutic RNA compounds may vary from compound to compound. Alternate routes of administration such as intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections are routinely used for some of compounds; however, these routes often result in slow absorption and exposure of the therapeutic compounds to enzymes that can degrade them, thus requiring much higher doses to achieve efficacy.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process where RNA molecules inhibit gene expression often by causing specific mRNA molecules to degrade. Two types of RNA molecules—microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA)—are central to RNA interference. They bind to the target mRNA molecules and either increase or decrease their activity. RNAi helps cells defend against parasitic nucleic acids such as those from viruses and transposons. RNAi also influences development.

sdRNA molecules are a class of asymmetric siRNAs comprising a guide (antisense) strand of 19-21 bases. They contain a 5′ phosphate, 2′Ome or 2′F modified pyrimidines, and six phosphotioates at the 3′ positions. They also contain a sense strand containing 3′ conjugated sterol moieties, 2 phospotioates at the 3′ position, and 2′Ome modified pyrimidines. Both strands contain 2′ Ome purines with continuous stretches of unmodified purines not exceeding a length of 3. sdRNA is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,796,443, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Initial medical applications for RNAi involve genetic diseases such as macular degeneration and Huntington's disease. Additional applications may include certain cancers, respiratory syncytial virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, HIV, hepatitis A and B, influenza, and measles.

It remains difficult to deliver RNAi to target tissues, and in particular, tissues deep within the body. siRNA molecules have a short in vivo half-life due to endogenous nucleases. Also, targeting specific tissues is challenging. One approach has been high dosage levels of siRNA to ensure the tissues have been reached. With these approaches, however, hepatotoxicity was reported.

Therapeutic oligonucleotides, while promising, suffer from a short plasma half-life as well as from problems with delivery and cellular uptake. Conjugation of oligonucleotides to small molecules has been proposed to overcome these problems but have not yet been successful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides carrier-drug conjugates comprising a targeting group that is non-hormonal vitamin D, an analog, or metabolite thereof linked at the carbon 3 position to a therapeutic RNA compound. In some embodiments, the non-hormonal vitamin D molecules are not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position. The carriers enhance the absorption, stability, half-life, duration of effect, potency, or bioavailability of the therapeutic RNA compounds. Optionally, the carriers further comprise scaffolding moieties that are non-releasable such as PEG and others described in this disclosure.

Thus, the invention provides a carrier-drug conjugate comprising a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated to a therapeutic RNA compound at the carbon 3 position of the non-hormonal vitamin D targeting group. In a preferred embodiment, the non-hormonal vitamin D is not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position. In another preferred embodiment, the targeting group is conjugated to the therapeutic RNA compound via a scaffold that is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, and an additional therapeutic peptide.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carrier-drug conjugate comprising a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated via a scaffold at the carbon 3 position to a therapeutic RNA compound having a nucleic acid sequence with at least a 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 3, or 4. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier increases the absorption, bioavailability, or half-life of said therapeutic RNA compound in circulation. In another preferred embodiment, the non-hormonal vitamin D is not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position.

In another embodiment, the scaffold is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, and an additional therapeutic peptide. In a most preferred embodiment, the scaffold is poly(ethylene glycol).

The invention provides a method of treating a patient in need of a therapeutic RNA compound, comprising administering an effective amount of any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is delivered to said patient by a transdermal, oral, parenteral, subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional, intracranial injection, infusion, inhalation, ocular, topical, rectal, nasal, buccal, sublingual, vaginal, or implanted reservoir mode.

The invention provides the use of any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a patient in need of said medicament.

The invention provides a method of manufacturing any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein comprising conjugating a targeting group and a therapeutic RNA compound, wherein the conjugating step utilizes a coupling group. In some embodiments, the coupling group is selected from the group consisting of an amine-reactive group, a thiol-reactive group, a maleimide group, a thiol group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, a haloacetyl group, an iodoacetyl group, a bromoacetyl groups, a SMCC group, a sulfo SMCC group, a carbodiimide group, bifunctional cross-linkers, NHS-maleimido, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the invention provides the pharmaceutical compositions resulting from the method described herein, wherein the compositions comprise a carrier-drug compound containing a linkage selected from the group consisting of a thiol linkage, an amide linkage, an oxime linkage, a hydrazone linkage, and a thiazolidinone linkage. In another embodiment, the conjugating step is accomplished by cycloaddition reactions.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical carrier comprising a formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

Wherein:

B is a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated at the carbon 3 position to L¹; S is a scaffold moiety, comprising poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, polylactic acid, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, or an additional therapeutic moiety; C is an amine-reactive group, a thiol-reactive group, a maleimide group, a thiol group, a disulfide group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, a 4-nitrophenyl ester, an acylimidazole, a haloacetyl group, an iodoacetyl group, a bromoacetyl groups, a SMCC group, a sulfo SMCC group, a carbodiimide group and bifunctional cross-linkers such as NHS-Maleimido or combinations thereof; L¹ and L² are linkers independently selected from —(CH₂)_(n)—, —C(O)NH—, —HNC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —O—, —S—S—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NH—; L³ is —(CH₂)_(o)—; n is an integer from 0-3; and o is an integer from 0-3.

In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier comprises formula V:

In another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier comprises formula VI:

In another preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier comprises formula VII:

The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a therapeutic RNA compound, a stably attached scaffold, a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated at the carbon 3 position, wherein after administration to a first test subject, the therapeutic RNA compound has a half life measured by qRT-PCR or other methods of blood samples taken at a plurality of time points that is greater than a half life of said therapeutic RNA compound administered to a second test subject without said stably attached scaffold moiety and targeting group as measured by the qRT-PCR or other methods of blood samples taken at said plurality of time points. In a preferred embodiment, the administration to said first and second subjects is accomplished by subcutaneous injection.

In another preferred embodiment, the therapeutic RNA compound stably attached to the scaffold and targeting group retains about the same activity as the therapeutic RNA compound not stably attached to said scaffold and targeting group as measured by a functional assay.

In another embodiment, a scaffold mass range is selected from the group consisting of 100 Da. to 20,000 Da., 200 Da. to 15,000 Da., 300 Da. to 10,000 Da., 400 Da. to 9,000 Da., 500 Da. to 5,000 Da., 600 Da. to 2,000 Da., 1000 Da. to 200,000 Da., 20.00 Da. to 200,000 Da., 100,000 to 200,000 Da., 5000 Da. to 100,000 Da., 10,000 Da. to 80,000 Da., 20,000 Da. to 60,000 Da., and 20,000 Da. to 40,000 Da. In a preferred embodiment, the scaffold is approximately the same mass as the therapeutic RNA compound.

The invention provides a carrier-drug conjugate comprising a targeting group that is vitamin D, an analog, or a metabolite thereof non-releasably conjugated to a therapeutic RNA compound. In a preferred embodiment, the vitamin D is non-hormonal. In a more preferred embodiment, the non-hormonal vitamin D is not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position. In another preferred embodiment, the therapeutic RNA compound is conjugated at the carbon 3 position of said non-hormonal vitamin D targeting group. In another preferred embodiment, the therapeutic RNA compound retains about the same activity as said therapeutic RNA compound not conjugated to said targeting group as measured by a functional assay. In another preferred embodiment, the targeting group is conjugated to the therapeutic RNA compound via a scaffold that is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, and an additional therapeutic peptide. In a more preferred embodiment, the scaffold is approximately the same mass as the therapeutic RNA compound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Reaction scheme showing the chemical structure and syntheses used to generate a carrier, a Vitamin D-(3)-PEG_(2k)-aldehyde adduct. The carrier was generated by conjugating 1) a vitamin D analog, 2) a PEG scaffold, and 3) an aldehyde coupling group.

FIG. 2: Reaction scheme showing the chemical structure and syntheses used to generate a carrier, a Vitamin D-(3)-PEG_(2k)-maleimide adduct. The carrier was generated by conjugating 1) a vitamin D analog, 2) a PEG scaffold, and 3) a maleimide coupling group.

FIG. 3: Reaction scheme showing the chemical structure and syntheses used to generate a carrier, a Vitamin D-(3)-PEG_(1.3k)-NHS adduct. The carrier was generated by conjugating 1) a vitamin D analog, 2) a PEG scaffold, and 3) an NHS coupling group.

FIG. 4: MAP4K4 mRNA expression was knocked down by MAP4K4-VitD conjugates in a dose-dependent manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides carrier-drug conjugates comprising targeting groups that are non-hormonal vitamin D, vitamin D analogs, or vitamin D metabolites. Examples include vitamin D-based molecules that are not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 (C1) position. The carriers are linked to therapeutic RNA compounds at the carbon 3 (C3) position. As disclosed herein, carrier groups are surprisingly effective when non-hormonal vitamin D forms are used and the therapeutic RNA compound is linked to the Carbon 3 position. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the hormonal forms of vitamin D are not appropriate for the carriers described herein because they can be toxic due to the induction of hypercalcemia. Also, because the hormonal forms bind the vitamin D receptor in cells, they may improperly target the carrier-drug conjugates to undesired cells or tissues. In contrast, non-hormonal vitamin D forms bind the Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) and remain in circulation longer.

The carrier molecules are attached to the therapeutic RNA compounds using chemistries described herein, described in WO2013172967, incorporated herein in its entirety, or that are otherwise known in the art. The carriers improve the potency, absorption, bioavailability, circulating half-life or pharmacokinetic properties of the therapeutic RNA compounds. In certain embodiments, the carriers further comprise what will be described herein as a “scaffold” that acts, among other things, as a non-releasable “spacer” between the targeting group and the therapeutic RNA compound. In other embodiments, the carriers lack a scaffold.

The carriers are designed to be suitable for use in humans and animals. The carriers serve the purpose of improving the pharmacokinetic properties of a biological or chemical entity that is coupled, conjugated, or fused to the carrier. This occurs through the interaction of the targeting group with DBP. It can actively transport molecules quickly and effectively from the site of administration to the circulating plasma, thereby reducing exposure of the drug to degradative enzymes. The carriers, by binding to DBP, also improve the circulating half-life of the drug. This increases the potency and therapeutic efficacy of the drug by preventing kidney filtration and other degradation processes.

The impact on patient health of this new class of therapies will be profound. A large number of diseases may benefit from RNAi treatment. These include genetic diseases such as macular degeneration and Huntington's Disease. Additionally, certain cancers, liver diseases, and infectious diseases including respiratory syncytial virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, HIV, hepatitis A and B, influenza, and measles may benefit from RNAi treatment.

In describing and claiming one or more embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions described below.

The term “absorption” is the movement of a drug into the bloodstream. A drug needs to be introduced via some route of administration (e.g. oral, topical or dermal) or in a specific dosage form such as a tablet, capsule or liquid.

An “antagonist” refers to a molecule capable of neutralizing, blocking, inhibiting, abrogating, reducing or interfering with the activities of a particular or specified protein, including its binding to one or more receptors in the case of a ligand, or binding to one or more ligands in case of a receptor.

“Antibodies” (Abs) and “immunoglobulins” (Igs) refer to glycoproteins having similar structural characteristics. While antibodies exhibit binding specificity to a specific antigen, immunoglobulins include both antibodies and other antibody-like molecules that generally lack antigen specificity. Polypeptides of the latter kind are, for example, produced at low levels by the lymph system and at increased levels by myelomas.

“Aptamers” are nucleic acid-based compounds that have been selected to bind a specific target. An example of an aptamer-based therapeutic compound can be found in WO07/035922, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The term “bioavailability” refers to the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, one of the principal pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. When a medication is administered intravenously, its bioavailability is 100%. When a medication is administered via other routes (such as orally), its bioavailability generally decreases (due to incomplete absorption and first-pass metabolism) or may vary from patient to patient. Bioavailability is an important parameter in pharmacokinetics that is considered when calculating dosages for non-intravenous routes of administration.

“Carriers” are compounds that can be conjugated to, fused to, coupled to or formulated with therapeutic RNA compounds to improve the absorption, half-life, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties of the drugs. They comprise a targeting group, a coupling group, and optionally, a scaffold moiety. In some embodiments, carriers may carry therapeutic RNA compound from the site of subcutaneous injection into circulation as well as carry the therapeutic RNA compound in circulation for an extended period of time.

An “effective amount” refers to an amount of therapeutic RNA compound that is effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic result. A “therapeutically effective amount” of a therapeutic RNA compound may vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual. A therapeutically effective amount may be measured, for example, by improved survival rate, more rapid recovery, or amelioration, improvement or elimination of symptoms, or other acceptable biomarkers or surrogate markers. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the therapeutic RNA compound are outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount of therapeutic RNA compound that is effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, but not necessarily, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount.

“Half-life” is a scientific term known in the art that refers to the amount of time that elapses when half of the quantity of a test molecule is no longer detected. An in vivo half-life refers to the time elapsed when half of the test molecule is no longer detectable in circulating serum or tissues of a human or animal.

“Homologs” are bioactive molecules that are similar to a reference molecule at the nucleotide sequence, peptide sequence, functional, or structural level. Homologs may include sequence derivatives that share a certain percent identity with the reference sequence. Thus, in one embodiment, homologous or derivative sequences share at least a 70 percent sequence identity. In a preferred embodiment, homologous or derivative sequences share at least an 80 or 85 percent sequence identity. In a more preferred embodiment, homologous or derivative sequences share at least an 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 percent sequence identity. Homologous or derivative nucleic acid sequences may also be defined by their ability to remain bound to a reference nucleic acid sequence under high stringency hybridization conditions. Homologs having a structural or functional similarity to a reference molecule may be chemical derivatives of the reference molecule. Methods of detecting, generating, and screening for structural and functional homologs as well as derivatives are known in the art.

“Hybridization” generally depends on the ability of denatured DNA to reanneal when complementary strands are present in an environment below their melting temperature. The higher the degree of desired homology between the probe and hybridizable sequence, the higher the relative temperature that can be used. As a result, it follows that higher relative temperatures would tend to make the reaction conditions more stringent, while lower temperatures less so. For additional details and explanation of stringency of hybridization reactions, see Ausubel et al, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley Interscience Publishers (1995).

An “individual,” “subject” or “patient” is a vertebrate. In certain embodiments, the vertebrate is a mammal. Mammals include, but are not limited to, primates (including human and non-human primates) and rodents (e.g., mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats). In certain embodiments, a mammal is a human. A “control subject” refers to a healthy subject who has not been diagnosed as having a disease, dysfunction, or condition that has been identified in an individual, subject, or patient. A control subject does not suffer from any sign or symptom associated with the disease, dysfunction, or condition.

A “medicament” is an active drug that has been manufactured for the treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition.

“Morpholinos” are synthetic molecules that are non-natural variants of natural nucleic acids that utilize a phosphorodiamidate linkage, described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,076,476, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

“Nucleic acids” are any of a group of macromolecules, either DNA, RNA, or variants thereof, that carry genetic information that may direct cellular functions. Nucleic acids may have enzyme-like activity (for instance ribozymes) or may be used to inhibit gene expression in a subject (for instance RNAi). The nucleic acids used in the inventions described herein may be single-stranded, double-stranded, linear or circular. The inventions further incorporate the use of nucleic acid variants including, but not limited to, aptamers, PNA, Morpholino, antisense, LNA, BNA, PMA, siRNAs and stabilized siRNA, free or conjugated to additional moieties, including sterol, lipids, peptides, GalNAc, or any other moieties introduced for the purpose of facilitation cellular uptake or targeting or other non-natural variants of nucleic acids. By way of example, nucleic acids useful for the invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,076,476, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

“Patient response” or “response” can be assessed using any endpoint indicating a benefit to the patient, including, without limitation, (1) inhibition, to some extent, of disease progression, including slowing down and complete arrest; (2) reduction in the number of disease episodes and/or symptoms; (3) inhibition (i.e., reduction, slowing down or complete stopping) of a disease cell infiltration into adjacent peripheral organs and/or tissues; (4) inhibition (i.e. reduction, slowing down or complete stopping) of disease spread; (5) decrease of an autoimmune condition; (6) favorable change in the expression of a biomarker associated with the disorder; (7) relief, to some extent, of one or more symptoms associated with a disorder; (8) increase in the length of disease-free presentation following treatment; or (9) decreased mortality at a given point of time following treatment.

As used herein, the term “peptide” is any peptide comprising two or more amino acids. The term peptide includes short peptides (e.g., peptides comprising between 2-14 amino acids), medium length peptides (15-50) or long chain peptides (e.g., proteins). The terms peptide, medium length peptide and protein may be used interchangeably herein. As used herein, the term “peptide” is interpreted to mean a polymer composed of amino acid residues, related naturally occurring structural variants, and synthetic non-naturally occurring analogs thereof linked via peptide bonds, related naturally-occurring structural variants, and synthetic non-naturally occurring analogs thereof. Synthetic peptides can be synthesized, for example, using an automated peptide synthesizer. Peptides can also be synthesized by other means such as by cells, bacteria, yeast or other living organisms. Peptides may contain amino acids other than the 20 gene-encoded amino acids. Peptides include those modified either by natural processes, such as processing and other post-translational modifications, but also by chemical modification techniques. Such modifications are well described in basic texts and in more detailed monographs, and are well-known to those of skill in the art. Modifications occur anywhere in a peptide, including the peptide backbone, the amino acid side chains, and the amino or carboxyl termini.

As used herein, a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “therapeutic effective carrier” is aqueous or nonaqueous (solid), for example alcoholic or oleaginous, or a mixture thereof, and can contain a surfactant, emollient, lubricant, stabilizer, dye, perfume, preservative, acid or base for adjustment of pH, a solvent, emulsifier, gelling agent, moisturizer, stabilizer, wetting agent, time release agent, humectant, or other component commonly included in a particular form of pharmaceutical composition. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known in the art and include, for example, aqueous solutions such as water or physiologically buffered saline or other solvents or vehicles such as glycols, glycerol, and oils such as olive oil or injectable organic esters. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can contain physiologically acceptable compounds that act, for example, to stabilize or to increase the absorption of specific inhibitor, for example, carbohydrates, such as glucose, sucrose or dextrans, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or glutathione, chelating agents, low molecular weight proteins or other stabilizers or excipients.

The term “pharmacokinetics” is defined as the time course of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a therapeutic RNA compound. Improved “pharmacokinetic properties” are defined as: improving one or more of the pharmacokinetic properties as desired for a particular therapeutic RNA compound. Examples include but are not limited to: reducing elimination through metabolism or secretion, increasing drug absorption, increasing half-life, and/or increasing bioavailability.

“PNA” refers to peptide nucleic acids with a chemical structure similar to DNA or RNA. Peptide bonds are used to link the nucleotides or nucleosides together.

“Scaffolds” are molecules to which other molecules can be covalently or non-covalently attached or formulated. The scaffolds of the invention may act as “spacers” between the targeting group and the drug. Spacers are molecular entities that provide physical distance between the two distinct molecular entities. Scaffolds may also contain a reactive “linker” or may have beneficial therapeutic properties in addition to the drug. Linkers are the sites of attachment from one molecular entity to another. Thus, the scaffolds of the invention may be, for example, PEG, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, or a therapeutic RNA compound. The scaffolds and linkers of the invention are stable (i.e. non-releasable). Non-releasable linkers have more stable chemical bonds than releasable linkers to allow the attached molecular entities to remain attached in vivo. In certain embodiments, however, they may be “releasable” under specific conditions. Releasable linkers have inherent instability and allow for the release of the attached molecules under certain conditions over time.

“Stringency” of hybridization reactions is readily determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art, and generally is an empirical calculation dependent upon probe length, washing temperature, and salt concentration. In general, longer probes require higher temperatures for proper annealing, while shorter probes need lower temperatures.

“Stringent conditions” or “high stringency conditions”, as defined herein, can be identified by those that: (1) employ low ionic strength and high temperature for washing, for example 0.015 M sodium chloride/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 50° C.; (2) employ during hybridization a denaturing agent, such as formamide, for example, 50% (v/v) formamide with 0.1% bovine serum albumin/0.1% Ficoll/0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone/50 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.5 with 750 mM sodium chloride, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42° C.; or (3) overnight hybridization in a solution that employs 50% formamide, 5×SSC (0.75 M NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 6.8), 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 5×Denhardt's solution, sonicated salmon sperm DNA (50 μl/ml), 0.1% SDS, and 10% dextran sulfate at 42° C., with a 10 minute wash at 42° C. in 0.2×SSC (sodium chloride/sodium citrate) followed by a 10 minute high-stringency wash consisting of 0.1×SSC containing EDTA at 55° C.

The “therapeutic RNA compounds” disclosed herein refer to nucleic acids, and nucleic acid derivatives that are administered to subjects to treat diseases or dysfunctions or to otherwise affect the health of individuals. Non-limiting examples of therapeutic RNA compounds are drugs that affect metabolic function, analgesics, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, anti-viral compounds, anti-fungal compounds, cardiovascular drugs, renal drugs, pulmonary drugs, digestive disease drugs, hematologic drugs, urologic drugs, metabolism drugs, hepatic drugs, neurological drugs, anti-diabetes drugs, anti-cancer drugs, drugs for treating stomach conditions, drugs for treating colon conditions, drugs for treating skin conditions, and drugs for treating lymphatic conditions. The term “therapeutic RNA compound” as used herein has essentially the same meaning as the terms “drug” or “therapeutic agent.”

As used herein, “treatment” refers to clinical intervention in an attempt to alter the natural course of the individual or cell being treated, and can be performed before or during the course of clinical pathology. Desirable effects of treatment include preventing the occurrence or recurrence of a disease or a condition or symptom thereof, alleviating a condition or symptom of the disease, diminishing any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, decreasing the rate of disease progression, ameliorating or palliating the disease state, and achieving remission or improved prognosis. In some embodiments, methods and compositions of the invention are useful in attempts to delay development of a disease or disorder.

A “vitamin” is a recognized term in the art and is defined as a fat-soluble or water-soluble organic substance essential in minute amounts for normal growth and activity of the body and is obtained naturally from plant and animal foods or supplements.

“Vitamin D” (also referred to herein as “VitD”) is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. Several forms (vitamers) of vitamin D exist. The two major forms are vitamin D₂ or ergocalciferol, and vitamin D₃ or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D without a subscript refers to vitamin D₂, D₃ or other forms known in the art. In humans, vitamin D can be ingested as cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) or ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂). Additionally, humans can synthesize it from cholesterol when sun exposure is adequate. Cholecalciferol may be modified in the liver or in vitro to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (“25-hydroxy Vitamin D”). In the kidney or in vitro, 25-hydroxy vitamin D can be modified into the distinct hormonal form of 1,25-hydroxy vitamin D.

“Vitamin D binding protein” or “DBP” is a naturally circulating serum protein found in all mammals that, among other activities, can bind to and transport vitamin D and its analogs to sites in the liver and kidney where the vitamin is modified to its active form, and it retains vitamin D in its various forms in circulation for, on average, 30 days in humans. A DBP protein sequence is disclosed in SEQ ID NO:5 and an exemplary nucleic acid sequence encoding the DBP protein sequence is disclosed in SEQ ID NO:6. DBP has multiple naturally-occurring isoforms. Exemplary isoforms are available in the public sequence databases (e.g. Accession Nos. NM_001204306.1, NM_001204307.1, NM_000583.3, BC036003.1, M12654.1, X03178.1, AK223458, P_001191235.1, NP_000574.2, AAA61704.1, AAD13872.1, NP_001191236.1, AAA19662.2, I54269, P02774.1, EAX05645.1, AAH57228.1, AAA52173.1, AAB29423.1, AAD14249.1, AAD14250.1, and BAD97178.1).

The invention contemplates non-hormonal vitamin D conjugates that bind DBP or functional DBP variants and homologs that contain conservative or non-conservative amino acid substitutions that about retain DBP activity. DBP binding molecules or functional DBP variants may be identified using known techniques and characterized using known methods (Bouillon et al., J Bone Miner Res. 6(10):1051-7 (1991), Teegarden et. al., Anal. Biochemistry 199(2):293-299 (1991), McLeod et al, J Biol Chem. 264(2):1260-7 (1989), Revelle et al., J. Steroid Biochem. 22:469-474 (1985)). The foregoing references are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The term “water-soluble” refers to moieties that have some detectable degree of solubility in water. Methods to detect and/or quantify water solubility are well known in the art. Exemplary water-soluble polymers include peptides, saccharides, poly(ethers), poly(amines), poly(carboxylic acids) and the like.

The invention provides effective routes for administering therapeutic RNA compounds via transdermal, oral, parenteral, subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional, intracranial injection, infusion, inhalation, ocular, topical, rectal, nasal, buccal, sublingual, vaginal, or implanted reservoir modes.

In addition, the inventions described herein provide compositions and methods for maintaining target binding activity, i.e. pharmacodynamics (PD), for therapeutic RNA compounds. It further provides compositions and methods for improving the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of therapeutic RNA compounds as described herein. The invention further provides compositions and methods for improved drug absorption profiles as compared to the drug absorption profiles for the drugs using the same routes of administration or different routes of administration but without the inventions described herein. The invention further provides compositions and methods for improved drug bioavailability profiles as compared to the drug bioavailability profiles for the drugs using the same routes of administration or different routes of administration but without the carriers described herein. The invention further provides compositions and methods for improved drug half-life profiles as compared to the drug half-life profiles for the drugs using the same routes of administration or different routes of administration but without the inventions described herein.

The invention also provides alternative routes of drug administration that are more cost-effective or favorable to the patients when compared to the drugs without the inventions described herein.

The non-hormonal vitamin D conjugates disclosed herein may improve the absorption, half-life, bioavailability, or pharmacokinetic properties of the linked therapeutic RNA compounds. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the carriers have the properties of binding to the body's natural DBP. DBP may transport the carrier-drug complex from the site of administration to the circulating serum. The vitamin D-DBP interaction may retain the therapeutic RNA compounds in circulation for an extended period of time. This can prevent its excretion from the body and increase the exposure of the therapeutic RNA compound in the body to achieve a longer lasting therapeutic effect. Additionally, a smaller dose of drug may be required when conjugated the carrier when compared to the unmodified form.

The therapeutic RNA compound carrier conjugates of the invention typically have about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 targeting groups individually attached to a therapeutic RNA compound. The structure of each of the targeting groups attached to the therapeutic RNA compound may be the same or different. In preferred embodiments, one or more targeting groups are stably or non-releasably attached to the therapeutic RNA compound at the 5′, 3′ or internal portion of the RNA molecule. Also contemplated are attachment sites using a combination of attachment positions.

In another embodiment, the scaffold is a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In preferred embodiments, the scaffold is poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contain a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, or an additional therapeutic moiety.

In one embodiment, water-soluble scaffold moieties have some detectable degree of solubility in water. Methods to detect and/or quantify water solubility are well known in the art. Exemplary water-soluble polymers include peptides, saccharides, poly(ethers), poly(amines), poly(carboxylic acids) and the like.

Peptides carriers can have mixed sequences or be composed of a single amino acid, e.g., poly(lysine). An exemplary polysaccharide is poly(sialic acid). An exemplary poly(ether) is poly(ethylene glycol), e.g. m-PEG. □Poly(ethyleneimine) is an exemplary polyamine, and poly(acrylic) acid is a representative poly(carboxylic acid). The polymer backbone of the water-soluble polymer can be poly(ethylene glycol) (i.e. PEG). However, it should be understood that other related polymers are also suitable for use in the practice of this invention and that the use of the term PEG or poly(ethylene glycol) is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive in this respect. The term PEG includes poly(ethylene glycol) in any of its forms, including alkoxy PEG, difunctional PEG, multiarmed PEG, forked PEG, branched PEG, pendent PEG (i.e. PEG or related polymers having one or more functional groups pendent to the polymer backbone), or PEG with degradable linkages therein. The polymer backbone can be linear or branched.

Branched polymer backbones are generally known in the art. Typically, a branched polymer has a central branch core moiety and a plurality of linear polymer chains linked to the central branch core. PEG is commonly used in branched forms that can be prepared by addition of ethylene oxide to various polyols, such as glycerol, pentaerythritol and sorbitol. The central branch moiety can also be derived from several amino acids, such as lysine. The branched poly(ethylene glycol) can be represented in general form as R(-PEG-OH)m in which R represents the core moiety, such as glycerol or pentaerythritol, and m represents the number of arms. Multi-armed PEG molecules, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,462, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, can also be used as the polymer backbone.

Many other polymers are also suitable for the invention. Polymer backbones that are non-peptidic and water-soluble, with from 2 to about 300 termini, are particularly useful in the invention. Examples of suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, other poly(alkylene glycols), such as polypropylene glycol) (“PPG”), copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol and the like, poly(oxyethylated polyol), poly(olefinic alcohol), polyvinylpyrrolidone), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(hydroxypropylmethacrylamide), poly(α-hydroxy acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, poly(N-acryloylmorpholine), such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,384, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and copolymers, terpolymers, and mixtures thereof. Although the molecular weight of each chain of the polymer backbone can vary, it is typically in the range of about 100 Da to about 100,000 Da.

In other embodiments, the scaffold moiety may be a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, or an additional therapeutic compound. In one embodiment, the scaffold moieties are non-toxic to humans and animals. In another embodiment, the scaffolds are endogenous serum proteins. In another embodiment, the scaffold moieties are water-soluble polymers. In another embodiment, the scaffolds are non-naturally-occurring polymers. In another embodiment, the scaffolds are naturally-occurring moieties that are modified by covalent attachment to additional moieties (e.g., PEG, polypropylene glycol), poly(aspartate), biomolecules, therapeutic moieties, or diagnostic moieties). The scaffolds and linkers of the invention are stable (i.e. non-releasable). In certain embodiments, however, they may be “releasable” under specific conditions.

The conjugation of hydrophilic polymers, such as PEG, is known in the art. In its most common form, PEG is a linear polymer terminated at each end with hydroxyl groups: HO—CH2CH2O—(CH2CH2O)n-CH2CH2-OH where n typically ranges from about 3 to about 4000. In a preferred embodiment, the PEG has a molecular weight distribution that is essentially homodisperse. In another preferred embodiment, the PEG is a linear polymer. In another preferred embodiment the PEG is a branched polymer.

Many end-functionalized or branched derivatives and various sizes are known in the art and commercially available. By way of example, conjugation of the PEG or PEO may be carried out using the compositions and methods described herein and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,777 (Defrees et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,337 (Davis et al.), each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In some embodiments, smaller therapeutic RNA compounds are paired with smaller scaffold moieties and larger therapeutic RNA compounds are paired with larger scaffold moieties. It is contemplated, however, that smaller therapeutic RNA compounds could be paired with a larger scaffold moiety and vice versa.

In some embodiments, a scaffold that is approximately equal to the molecular weight of a small therapeutic RNA compound results in an efficacious carrier-drug conjugate. Improvements in efficacy may be obtained by empirically adjusting the scaffold size further. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the pharmacokinetic properties and efficacy of the conjugates may be enhanced when a scaffold (in combination with linkers as needed) is big enough to ablate potential steric hindrance of the drug by DBP binding and vice versa. Thus, a therapeutic RNA compound is conjugated so that its active region is exposed and available for functional activity and the carrier is able to bind DBP. Additional embodiments provide non-releasable attachments that extend the circulation of therapeutics.

In preferred embodiments, the conjugation of the therapeutic RNA compound retains about all of its activity following the conjugation. The active region of given therapeutic may be known in the art or determined empirically. In other embodiments, the conjugate is therapeutically active while remaining linked to the carrier. This embodiment may maximize the time in circulation and as well as its efficacy.

The scaffolds of the present invention, for example, could have a molecular weight of 100 Daltons (Da.), 500 Da., 1000 Da., 2000 Da., 5000 Da., 10,000 Da., 15,000 Da., 20,000 Da., 30,000 Da., 40,000 Da. or 60,000 Da. In one embodiment of the invention, “small” scaffolds may be between about 100 Da. and 20,000 Da. In another embodiment, “large” scaffolds may be greater than about 20,000 Da. to about 200,000 Da. In preferred embodiments, the scaffold moiety is between about 100 Da. and 200,000 Da. In more preferred embodiments, the scaffold is between about 100 Da. and 20,000 Da., 200 Da. and 15,000 Da., 300 Da. and 10,000 Da., 400 Da. and 9,000 Da., 500 Da. and 5,000 Da., 600 Da. and 2,000 Da., 1000 Da. and 200,000 Da., 20.00 Da. and 200,000 Da., 100,000 and 200,000 Da., 5000 Da. and 100,000 Da., 10,000 Da. and 80,000 Da., 20,000 Da. and 60,000 Da., or 20,000 Da. and 40,000 Da. The size of the scaffolds may be varied to maximize absorption, bioavailability, circulating half-life, or efficacy of the conjugated therapeutic RNA compound.

Another component of the carrier molecule preferably comprises a coupling group that is used to covalently attach the drug to the scaffold or the carrier. The coupling groups of the invention include an amine-reactive group, a thiol-reactive group, a maleimide group, a thiol group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, a haloacetyl group, an iodoacetyl group, a bromoacetyl groups, a SMCC group, a sulfo SMCC group, a carbodiimide group and bifunctional cross-linkers such as NHS-maleimido, combinations thereof, or other coupling groups familiar to persons skilled in the art. The coupling groups of the invention can promote thiol linkages, amide linkages, oxime linkages, hydrazone linkages, thiazolidinone linkages or utilize cycloaddition reactions also called click chemistry to couple the carrier to a therapeutic RNA compound. In another embodiment, the composition preferably includes a combination of one or more therapeutic RNA compounds attached to the coupling group of the scaffold molecule. The linkers of the invention may be between about 40 and 100 Daltons. In preferred embodiments, the linkers may be between about 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, or 90-100 Daltons. The linkers may also be varied to affect the stability or releasability of the link between the carrier and the therapeutic RNA compound.

NHS groups are known to those skilled in the art as being useful for coupling biomolecules. Utilizing NHS groups allows for flexibility in the site of carrier conjugation because molecular structure and reaction time can influence the attachment site and the number of conjugated carrier molecules. By way of example, controlling the molar ratio of NHS-carrier to therapeutic RNA compounds, one skilled in the art can have some control over the number of carrier molecules attached to the therapeutic RNA compound. This allows for more than one carrier to be conjugated to a given therapeutic RNA compound.

Conjugation of the carrier to a therapeutic RNA compound is achieved by mixing a solution of the molecules together in a specific molar ratio using compatible solutions, buffers or solvents. For example, a molar ratio of about 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1, 25:1, 50:1, 100:1, 1000:1, or about 1:2, 1:4, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20 1:25, 1:50, 1:100 or 1:1000 of carrier to therapeutic RNA compound could be used. By varying the ratio, this could result in different numbers of individual carriers attached to the therapeutic RNA compound, or could help to select a specific site of attachment. Attachment of the carriers is also pH, buffer, salt and temperature dependent and varying these parameters among other parameters can influence the site of attachment, the number of carriers attached, and the speed of the reaction.

Additionally, in order to retain about the same activity of the therapeutic RNA compounds, conjugation to the carriers will be at a site on the molecules that do not interfere with therapeutic function. Nucleic acids may require conjugation to the 5′ end, the 3′ end, or an internal nucleotide, nucleoside, or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the carrier is conjugated to a nucleotide or nucleoside prior to incorporation into a polynucleotide molecule.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides carriers that include those of formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

Wherein:

B is a targeting group selected from vitamin D, a vitamin D analog, a vitamin D-related metabolite, an analog of a vitamin D related-metabolite, a peptide that binds DBP, an anti-DBP antibody, an anti-DBP antibody derivative, a nucleotide aptamer that binds DBP, or a small carbon-based molecule that binds DBP; S is a scaffold moiety, comprising poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, polylactic acid, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, or an additional therapeutic RNA compound; C is an amine-reactive group, a thiol-reactive group, a maleimide group, a thiol group, a disulfide group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, a 4-nitrophenyl ester, an acylimidazole, a haloacetyl group, an iodoacetyl group, a bromoacetyl groups, a SMCC group, a sulfo SMCC group, a carbodiimide group and bifunctional cross-linkers such as NHS-maleimido or combinations thereof; (L)^(a) and (M)^(b) are linkers independently selected from —(CH₂)_(n)—, —C(O)NH—, —HNC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —O—, —S—S—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NH—; a is an integer from 0-4; and b is an integer from 0-4; and n is an integer from 0-3.

In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides carriers that include those of formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

Wherein:

B is a targeting group selected from vitamin D, a vitamin D analog, a vitamin D-related metabolite, an analog of a vitamin D related-metabolite, or a small carbon-based molecule that binds DBP; S is a scaffold moiety, comprising poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, polylactic acid, a water-soluble polymer, or a small carbon chain linker; C is a maleimide group, a thiol group, a disulfide group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, an iodoacetyl group, or a bromoacetyl group; (L)^(a) and (M)^(b) are linkers independently selected from —(CH₂)_(n)—, —C(O)NH—, —HNC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —O—, —S—S—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NH—; a is an integer from 0-4; and b is an integer from 0-4; and n is an integer from 0-3.

In more preferred embodiments, the present invention provides carriers that include those of formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

Wherein:

B is a targeting group selected from vitamin D, a vitamin D analog, or a vitamin D-related metabolite; S is a scaffold moiety, comprising poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine or poly(propyleneglycol); C is a maleimide group, a disulfide group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group or an iodoacetyl group; (L)^(a) and (M)^(b) are linkers independently selected from —(CH₂)_(n)—, —C(O)NH—, —HNC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —O—, —S—S—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NH—; a is an integer from 0-4; and b is an integer from 0-4; and n is an integer from 0-3.

In most preferred embodiments, the present invention provides carriers that include those of formulas IIa, IIb, and IIc:

Wherein:

B is a targeting group selected from vitamin D, a vitamin D analog, or a vitamin D-related metabolite; S is a scaffold moiety, comprising poly(ethylene glycol), or poly(propyleneglycol); and C is a maleimide group, a disulfide group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group or an iodoacetyl group; L¹ is —(CH₂)_(n)—; L³ is —(CH₂)_(o)—; (M)^(b) are linkers independently selected from —(CH₂)_(n)—, —C(O)NH—, —HNC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —O—, —S—S—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NH—; b is an integer from 0-4; and n is 3; and o is 1.

In PCT/US2013/031788, which is incorporated herein by reference, conjugation at the C25 position of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ is exemplified. The present invention incorporates conjugation at the C3 position of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃. This gives improved half-life extension and bioavailability compared to the C25 conjugates.

In certain most preferred embodiments of formula IIa, B is represented by formula III, S is poly(ethylene glycol) and (M)^(b)-C is represented by formula IVa.

In certain most preferred embodiments of formula IIb, B is represented by formula III, S is poly(ethylene glycol) and (M)^(b)-C is represented by formula IVb.

In certain most preferred embodiments of formula IIc, B is represented by formula III, S is poly(ethylene glycol) and (M)^(b)-C is represented by formula IVc.

In certain most preferred embodiment, S is between about 100 Da. and 200,000 Da. In other most preferred embodiments, the scaffold moiety is between about 100 Da. and 20,000 Da., 200 Da. and 15,000 Da., 300 Da. and 10,000 Da., 400 Da. and 9,000 Da., 500 Da. and 5,000 Da., 600 Da. and 2,000 Da., 1000 Da. and 200,000 Da., 5000 Da. and 100,000 Da., 10,000 Da. and 80,000 Da., 20,000 Da. and 60,000 Da., or 20,000 Da. and 40,000 Da.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a carrier represented by formula V.

In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a carrier represented by formula VI.

In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a carrier represented by formula VII.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier of formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula Ia:

B-L¹-NH₂   Ia

with a compound of formula Ib:

HOOC-L³-S-(M)^(b)-C   Ib

in the presence of an amide coupling agent, wherein B, S, C and L¹, L³, and (M)^(b) are defined as above and L² is —C(O)NH—.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Ia can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

Any suitable amide coupling agent may be used to form a compound of formula I. Suitable amide coupling agents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU and T3P. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used alone. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with a co-reagent such as HOBT or DMAP. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with both a co-reagent such as HOBT or DMAP and a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. One skilled in the art will recognize that co-reagents other than HOBT or DMAP may be used. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

One skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable leaving group may be coupled with the carboxylic acid of formula Ib in the presence of a suitable coupling agent to form an active ester of formula Ic:

wherein R is a suitable leaving group including, but are not limited to imidazole, HOBT, NHS and 4-nitrophenol. Suitable coupling reagents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU and T3P. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier of formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula Ia:

B-L¹-NH₂   Ia

with a compound of formula Ic:

ROOC-L³-S-(M)^(b)-C   Ic

wherein B, S, C, R and L¹, L³, and (M)^(b) are defined as above and L² is —C(O)NH—.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Ia can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

In certain embodiments, the amide coupling is performed with a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. One skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

In certain other embodiments, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier of formula IIa:

comprising the steps of reacting a compound of formula Ia:

B-L¹-NH₂   Ia

with a compound of formula Id:

HOOC-L³-S-(M)^(b)-CH₂OH   Id

in the presence of an amide coupling agent forming a compound of formula Ie; and

Oxidation of the primary alcohol of formula Ie to an aldehyde of formula IIa;

wherein B, S, L¹, L³, (M)^(b), b, n and o are defined as above and L² is —C(O)NH— and C is an aldehyde group.

Any suitable oxidizing agent may be used to form a compound of formula IIa. Suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, the Collins reagent, PDC, PCC, oxalyl chloride/DMSO (Swern oxidation), SO₃-pyridine/DMSO (Parikh-Doehring oxidation), Dess-Martin periodinane, TPAP/NMO, and TEMPO/NaOCl.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Ia can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

Any suitable amide coupling agent may be used to form a compound of formula Ie. Suitable amide coupling agents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU and T3P. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used alone. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with a co-reagent such as HOBT or DMAP. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with both a co-reagent such as HOBT or DMAP and a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. One skilled in the art will recognize that co-reagents other than HOBT or DMAP may be used. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

In certain embodiments, any suitable leaving group can be coupled with a carboxylic acid of formula Id in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent to form an active ester of formula If:

wherein R is a suitable leaving group including, but are not limited to imidazole, HOBT, NHS and 4-nitrophenol. Suitable coupling reagents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU and T3P.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier of formula Ie:

comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula Ia;

B-L¹-NH₂   Ia

with a compound of formula If; and

ROOC-L³-S-(M)^(b)-CH₂OH   If

Oxidation of the primary alcohol of formula Ie to an aldehyde of formula IIa;

wherein B, S, C, R and L¹, L³, and (M)^(b) are defined as above and L² is —C(O)NH—.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Ia can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

In certain embodiments, the amide coupling is performed with a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. One skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

Any suitable oxidizing agent may be used to form a compound of formula IIa. Suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, the Collins reagent, PDC, PCC, oxalyl chloride/DMSO (Swern oxidation), SO₃-pyridine/DMSO (Parikh-Doehring oxidation), Dess-Martin periodinane, TPAP/NMO, and TEMPO/NaOCl.

In certain other embodiments, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier of formula IIc:

comprising the steps of reacting a compound of formula Ia:

B-L¹-NH₂   Ia

with a compound of formula Ig:

ROOC—S-(M)^(b)-COOH   Ig

forming a compound of formula Ih; and

Converting a carboxylic acid of formula Ih to an active ester of formula IIc;

wherein B, S, C, R, L¹, (M)^(b), b, n and o are defined as above and L² is —C(O)NH—.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Ia can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

Any suitable leaving group can be coupled with a carboxylic acid of formula Ih in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent to form an active ester of formula IIc. Suitable leaving groups include, but are not limited to imidazole, HOBT, NHS and 4-nitrophenol. Suitable coupling reagents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU and T3P.

In some embodiments, an active ester of formula IIc is formed from a carboxylic acid of formula Ih using a combination of a suitable leaving group and a coupling reagent.

In some embodiments, an active ester of formula IIc is formed from a carboxylic acid of formula Ih using a single reagent that produces a leaving group and also effects a coupling reaction. Such reagents include, but are not limited to 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate, 4-nitrophenyl trifluoroacetate and HBTU. In some embodiments, the single reagent is used alone. In other embodiments, the single reagent is used with an acyl transfer catalyst. Such acyl transfer catalysts include, but are not limited to DMAP and pyridine. One skilled in the art will recognize that additional acyl transfer catalysts may be used.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier represented by formula V:

comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula Va:

with a compound of formula Vb:

to form a compound of formula Vc;

Reduction of the nitrile group to form the amine of formula Vd;

Reaction of the compound of formula Vd with a compound of formula Ve;

To form a compound of the formula Vf

Oxidation of the primary alcohol of formula Vf to form the aldehyde of formula V.

In some embodiments, the reaction of a compound of formula Vb with a compound of formula Va is promoted by addition of Triton B. One skilled in the art will recognize that other reagents may be used to promote nucleophilic addition to acrylonitrile.

In some embodiments, reduction of the nitrile of formula Vc to the amine of formula Vd is performed using AlCl₃/LAH. One skilled in the art will recognize that other reduction reagents may be used including sodium, H₂/Pd, H₂/Raney nickel, and diborane.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Vd can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

In certain embodiments, a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine is used to promote coupling of the NHS-ester of formula Ve with the amine of formula Vd. One skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

Any suitable oxidizing agent may be used to form a compound of formula V. Suitable oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, the Collins reagent, PDC, PCC, oxalyl chloride/DMSO (Swern oxidation), SO₃-pyridine/DMSO (Parikh-Doehring oxidation), Dess-Martin periodinane, TPAP/NMO, and TEMPO/NaOCl.

In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier represented by formula VI:

comprising the steps of reacting a compound of formula Vd:

in the presence of an amide coupling agent with a compound of formula VIa:

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Vd can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

Any suitable amide coupling agent may be used to form a compound of formula VI. Suitable amide coupling agents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU and T3P. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used alone. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with a co-reagent such as HOBT or DMAP. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. In certain embodiments, the amide coupling agent is used with both a co-reagent such as HOBT or DMAP and a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine. One skilled in the art will recognize that co-reagents other than HOBT or DMAP may be used. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a carrier represented by formula VII:

comprising the steps of reacting a compound of formula Vd:

with a compound of formula VIIa:

forming a compound of formula VIIb; and

Converting a carboxylic acid of formula VIIb to an active ester of formula VII;

One skilled in the art will recognize that a compound of formula Vd can be used either as a free base or as a suitable salt form. Suitable salt forms include, but are not limited to TFA, HCl, HBr, MsOH, TfOH and AcOH.

In certain embodiments, a base such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine is used to promote coupling of the NHS-ester of formula VIIa with the amine of formula Va. One skilled in the art will recognize that bases other than triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may be used.

NHS can be coupled with a carboxylic acid of formula VIIb in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent to form an active ester of formula VII. Suitable coupling reagents include, but are not limited to 2-chloromethylpyridinium iodide, BOP, PyBOP, HBTU, HATU, DCC, EDCI, TBTU, and T3P.

In some embodiments, an active ester of formula VII is formed from a carboxylic acid of formula VIIb using a combination of NHS and a coupling reagent.

In some embodiments, an active ester of formula VII is formed from a carboxylic acid of formula VIIb using a single reagent that produces a leaving group and also effects a coupling reaction. Such reagents include, but are not limited to, N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate. In some embodiments, the single reagent is used alone. In other embodiments the reagent is used with an acyl transfer catalyst. Such acyl transfer catalysts include, but are not limited to DMAP and pyridine. One skilled in the art will recognize that additional acyl transfer catalysts may be used.

One skilled in the art will recognize that there are other methods to conjugate a linker and scaffold to the C3 position of vitamin D derivatives and analogues. For example, the C3 hydroxy group may be acylated by various groups as practiced by N. Kobayashi, K. Ueda, J. Kitahori, and K. Shimada, Steroids, 57, 488-493 (1992); J. G. Haddad, et al., Biochemistry, 31, 7174-7181 (1992); A. Kutner, R. P. Link, H. K. Schnoes, H. F. DeLuca, Bioorg. Chem., 14, 134-147 (1986); and R. Ray, S. A. Holick, N. Hanafin, and M. F. Holick, Biochemistry, 25, 4729-4733 (1986). The foregoing references are incorporated by reference in their entirety. One skilled in the art will recognize that these chemistries could be modified to synthesize compounds of the formula I:

B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I

wherein B, S, C, (L)^(a), and (M)^(b) are defined as above.

If desired, therapeutic RNA compound carrier conjugates having different molecular weights can be isolated using gel filtration chromatography and/or ion exchange chromatography. Gel filtration chromatography may be used to fractionate different therapeutic RNA compound carrier conjugates (e.g., 1-mer, 2-mer, 3-mer, and so forth, wherein “1-mer” indicates one targeting group molecule per therapeutic RNA compound, “2-mer” indicates two targeting groups attached to therapeutic RNA compound, and so on) on the basis of their differing molecular weights (where the difference corresponds essentially to the average molecular weight of the targeting group).

Gel filtration columns suitable for carrying out this type of separation include Superdex and Sephadex columns available from Amersham Biosciences (Piscataway, N.J.). Selection of a particular column will depend upon the desired fractionation range desired. Elution is generally carried out using a suitable buffer, such as phosphate, acetate, or the like. The collected fractions may be analyzed by a number of different methods, for example, (i) optical density (OD) at 280 nm for protein content, (ii) bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein analysis, and (iii) sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE).

Separation of therapeutic RNA compound carrier conjugates can also be carried out by reverse phase chromatography using a reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) C18 column (Amersham Biosciences or Vydac) or by ion exchange chromatography using an ion exchange column, e.g., a DEAE- or CM-Sepharose ion exchange column available from Amersham Biosciences. The resulting purified compositions are preferably substantially free of the non-targeting group-conjugated therapeutic RNA compound. In addition, the compositions preferably are substantially free of all other non-covalently attached targeting groups.

As described herein, the carriers of the invention may be non-hormonal 25-hydroxy vitamin D or analogs thereof having a coupling group on the 3′ carbon. “25-hydroxy vitamin D analogs” as used herein includes both naturally-occurring Vitamin D metabolite forms as well as other chemically-modified forms. The carriers of the invention do not include an active (i.e. hormonal) form of Vitamin D (typically having a hydroxyl group at the 1 carbon). These compounds are based on the vitamin D structure and retain partial function of vitamin D (i.e. they interact with DBP), albeit at varying affinities. The following list exemplifies vitamin D analog forms known in the art. They may, however, be hormonal or have the C1 hydroxyl group. They are presented here solely for their chemical properties as vitamin D analogs, not for their functional hormonal properties: OCT, a chemically synthesized of 1,25(OH)₂ with an oxygen atom at the 22 position in the side chain (Abe et.al., FEBS Lett. 226:58-62 (1987)); Gemini vitamin D analog, 1α,25-dihydroxy-20R-21(3-hydroxy-3-deuteromethyl-4,4,4-trideuterobutyl)-23-yne-26,27-hexafluoro-cholecalciferol (BXL0124) (So et al., Mol Pharmacol. 79(3):360-7 (2011)); Paricalcitol, a vitamin D₂ derived sterol lacking the carbon-19 methylene group found in all natural vitamin D metabolites (Slatopolsky et al., Am J. Kidney Dis. 26: 852 (1995)); Doxercalciferol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D₂), like alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D₃), is a prodrug which is hydroxylated in the liver to 1α,25(OH)₂D₂. Unlike alfacalcidol, doxercalciferol is also 24-hydroxylated to produce 1α,24(S)—(OH)₂D₂ (Knutson et al., Biochem Pharmacol 53: 829 (1997)); Dihydrotachysterol2 (DHT2), hydroxylated in vivo to 25(OH)DHT2, 1,25(OH)2DHT2 (McIntyre et al., Kidney Int. 55: 500 (1999)), ED-71, and eldecalcitol. See also Erben and Musculoskel, Neuron Interact. 2(1):59-69 (2001) and Steddon et al. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 16 (10): 1965-1967 (2001). The foregoing references are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In another embodiment, the carrier further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable scaffold moiety covalently attached to the targeting group and the therapeutic RNA compound. The scaffold moiety of the carriers of the invention does not necessarily participate in but may contribute to the function or improve the pharmacokinetic properties of the therapeutic RNA compound. The scaffolds of the invention do not substantially interfere with the binding of the targeting group to DBP. Likewise, the scaffolds of the invention do not substantially interfere with structure or function of the therapeutic RNA compound. The length of the scaffold moiety is dependent upon the character of the targeting group and the therapeutic RNA compound. One skilled in the art will recognize that various combinations of atoms provide for variable length molecules based upon known distances between various bonds (Morrison, and Boyd, Organic Chemistry, 3rd Ed, Allyn and Bacon, Inc., Boston, Mass. (1977), incorporated herein by reference). Other scaffolds contemplated by the invention include peptide linkers, protein linkers such as human serum albumin or immunoglobulin family proteins or fragments thereof, nucleic acid linkers, small carbon chain linkers, carbon linkers with oxygen or nitrogen interspersed, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the linkers are non-releasable or stable.

In further embodiments of the invention, the therapeutic RNA compounds defined and/or disclosed herein may be chemically coupled to biotin. The biotin/therapeutic RNA compound can then bind to avidin.

RNAi conjugated to the vitamin D carriers of the invention are used to treat both inherited and infectious diseases. In preferred embodiments, the conjugates are used to treat, for example, blood conditions, liver conditions, cardiovascular conditions, hepatitis, eye conditions, metabolic conditions, graft rejections, cancer, autoimmune conditions, amyloidosis, and nervous system conditions. In preferred embodiments, vitamin D-RNAi conjugates that have incorporated GalNac, a sugar, for treating liver conditions. GalNac enhances liver uptake from circulation and thus enhances targeting vitamin D-RNAi to the liver.

Some aspects of the assembly of carriers utilizes chemical methods that are well-known in the art. For example, Vitamin E-PEG is manufactured by Eastman Chemical, Biotin-PEG is manufactured by many PEG manufacturers such as Enzon, Nektar and NOF Corporation. Methods of producing PEG molecules with some vitamins and other therapeutic compounds linked to them follow these and other chemical methods known in the art. The attachment of PEG to an oligonucleotide or related molecule occurs, for example, as the PEG2-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester coupled to the oligonucleotide through the 5′ amine moiety. Several coupling methods are contemplated and include, for example, NHS coupling to amine groups such as a lysine residue on a peptide, maleimide coupling to sulfhydryl group such as on a cysteine residue, iodoacetyl coupling to a sulfhydryl group, pyridyldithiol coupling to a sulfhydryl group, hydrazide for coupling to a carbohydrate group, aldehyde for coupling to the N-terminus, or tetrafluorophenyl ester coupling that is known to react with primary or secondary amines. Other possible chemical coupling methods are known to those skilled in the art and can be substituted. By way of example, conjugation using the coupling groups of the invention may be carried out using the compositions and methods described in WO93/012145 (Atassi et al.) and also see U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,777 (Defrees et al.), incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Exemplary drug formulations of the invention include aqueous solutions, organic solutions, powder formulations, solid formulations and a mixed phase formulations.

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention comprise any of the compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, with any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles that may be used in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts retain the desired biological activity of the therapeutic composition without toxic side effects. Examples of such salts are (a) acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid and the like/and salts formed with organic acids such as, for example, acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, citric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, tanic acid, pamoic acid, alginic acid, polyglutamic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid, naphthalene disulfonic acid, polygalacturonic acid and the like; (b) base addition salts or complexes formed with polyvalent metal cations such as zinc, calcium, bismuth, barium, magnesium, aluminum, copper, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, and the like; or with an organic cation formed from N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine or ethlenediamine; or (c) combinations of (a) and (b), e.g. a zinc tannate salt and the like.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered by subcutaneous, transdermal, oral, parenteral, inhalation, ocular, topical, rectal, nasal, buccal (including sublingual), vaginal, or implanted reservoir modes. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may contain any conventional, non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional, and intracranial injection or infusion techniques.

Also contemplated, in some embodiments, are pharmaceutical compositions comprising as an active ingredient, therapeutic RNA compounds described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a mixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable, non-toxic component. As mentioned above, such compositions may be prepared for parenteral administration, particularly in the form of liquid solutions or suspensions; for oral or buccal administration, particularly in the form of tablets or capsules; for intranasal administration, particularly in the form of powders, nasal drops, evaporating solutions or aerosols; for inhalation, particularly in the form of liquid solutions or dry powders with excipients, defined broadly; for transdermal administration, particularly in the form of a skin patch or microneedle patch; and for rectal or vaginal administration, particularly in the form of a suppository.

The compositions may conveniently be administered in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well-known in the pharmaceutical art, for example, as described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. (1985), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Formulations for parenteral administration may contain as excipients sterile water or saline alkylene glycols such as propylene glycol, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, saccharides, oils of vegetable origin, hydrogenated napthalenes, serum albumin or other nanoparticles (as used in Abraxane™, American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. Schaumburg, Ill.), and the like. For oral administration, the formulation can be enhanced by the addition of bile salts or acylcarnitines. Formulations for nasal administration may be solid or solutions in evaporating solvents such as hydrofluorocarbons, and may contain excipients for stabilization, for example, saccharides, surfactants, submicron anhydrous alpha-lactose or dextran, or may be aqueous or oily solutions for use in the form of nasal drops or metered spray. For buccal administration, typical excipients include sugars, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, pregelatinated starch, and the like.

Delivery of modified therapeutic RNA compounds described herein to a subject over prolonged periods of time, for example, for periods of one week to one year, may be accomplished by a single administration of a controlled release system containing sufficient active ingredient for the desired release period. Various controlled release systems, such as monolithic or reservoir-type microcapsules, depot implants, polymeric hydrogels, osmotic pumps, vesicles, micelles, liposomes, transdermal patches, iontophoretic devices and alternative injectable dosage forms may be utilized for this purpose. Localization at the site to which delivery of the active ingredient is desired is an additional feature of some controlled release devices, which may prove beneficial in the treatment of certain disorders.

In certain embodiments for transdermal administration, delivery across the barrier of the skin would be enhanced using electrodes (e.g. iontophoresis), electroporation, or the application of short, high-voltage electrical pulses to the skin, radiofrequencies, ultrasound (e.g. sonophoresis), microprojections (e.g. microneedles), jet injectors, thermal ablation, magnetophoresis, lasers, velocity, or photomechanical waves. The drug can be included in single-layer drug-in-adhesive, multi-layer drug-in-adhesive, reservoir, matrix, or vapor style patches, or could utilize patchless technology. Delivery across the barrier of the skin could also be enhanced using encapsulation, a skin lipid fluidizer, or a hollow or solid microstructured transdermal system (MTS, such as that manufactured by 3M), jet injectors. Additives to the formulation to aid in the passage of therapeutic RNA compounds through the skin include prodrugs, chemicals, surfactants, cell penetrating peptides, permeation enhancers, encapsulation technologies, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, gels, nanoparticles and peptide or protein chaperones.

One form of controlled-release formulation contains the therapeutic RNA compound or its salt dispersed or encapsulated in a slowly degrading, non-toxic, non-antigenic polymer such as copoly(lactic/glycolic) acid, as described in the pioneering work of Kent et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,189, incorporated by reference herein. The compounds, or their salts, may also be formulated in cholesterol or other lipid matrix pellets, or silastomer matrix implants. Additional slow release, depot implant or injectable formulations will be apparent to the skilled artisan. See, for example, Sustained and Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems, J R Robinson ed., Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 1978; and Controlled Release of Biologically Active Agents, R W Baker, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1987. The foregoing are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

An additional form of controlled-release formulation comprises a solution of biodegradable polymer, such as copoly(lactic/glycolic acid) or block copolymers of lactic acid and PEG, is a bioacceptable solvent, which is injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly to achieve a depot formulation. Mixing of the therapeutic RNA compounds described herein with such a polymeric formulation is suitable to achieve very long duration of action formulations.

When formulated for nasal administration, the absorption across the nasal mucous membrane may be further enhanced by surfactants, such as, for example, glycocholic acid, cholic acid, taurocholic acid, ethocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, dehdryocholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, cycledextrins and the like in an amount in the range of between about 0.1 and 15 weight percent, between about 0.5 and 4 weight percent, or about 2 weight percent. An additional class of absorption enhancers reported to exhibit greater efficacy with decreased irritation is the class of alkyl maltosides, such as tetradecylmaltoside (Arnold, J J et al., 2004, J Pharm Sci 93: 2205-13; Ahsan, F et al., 2001, Pharm Res 18:1742-46) and references therein, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable preparation, for example, as a sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents (such as, for example, Tween 80) and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are mannitol, water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant such as Ph. Helv or a similar alcohol.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, and aqueous suspensions and solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers that are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions are administered orally, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These compositions can be prepared by mixing a compound of this invention with a suitable non-irritating excipient that is solid at room temperature but liquid at the rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the active components. Such materials include, but are not limited to, cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

Topical administration of the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention is especially useful when the desired treatment involves areas or organs readily accessible by topical application. For application topically to the skin, the pharmaceutical composition should be formulated with a suitable ointment containing the active components suspended or dissolved in a carrier. Carriers for topical administration of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petroleum, white petroleum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated with a suitable lotion or cream containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in a carrier. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be topically applied to the lower intestinal tract by rectal suppository formulation or in a suitable enema formulation. Topical transdermal patches are also included in this invention.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art.

When formulated for delivery by inhalation, a number of formulations offer advantages. Adsorption of the therapeutic RNA compound to readily dispersed solids such as diketopiperazines (for example, Technosphere particles (Pfutzner, A and Forst, T, 2005, Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2:1097-1106) or similar structures gives a formulation that results in rapid initial uptake of the therapeutic RNA compound. Lyophilized powders, especially glassy particles, containing the therapeutic RNA compound and an excipient are useful for delivery to the lung with good bioavailability, for example, see Exubera® (inhaled insulin by Pfizer and Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.).

Dosage levels of between about 0.01 and about 100 mg/kg body weight per day, preferably 0.5 and about 50 mg/kg body weight per day of the active ingredient compound are useful in the prevention and treatment of disease. Such administration can be used as a chronic or acute therapy. The amount of drug that may be combined with the pharmaceutical carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. A typical preparation will contain from about 5% to about 95% active compound (w/w). Preferably, such preparations contain from about 20% to about 80% active compound.

Upon improvement of a patient's condition, a maintenance dose of a compound, composition or combination of this invention may be administered, if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or frequency of administration, or both, may be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained when the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level, treatment should cease. Patients may, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of disease symptoms.

As the skilled artisan will appreciate, lower or higher doses than those recited above may be required. Specific dosage and treatment regimens for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health status, gender, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity and course of an infection, the patient's disposition to the infection and the judgment of the treating physician.

The carrier-drug conjugates described herein provide advantages to drug manufacturers and patients over unmodified drugs. Specifically, the carrier-drug conjugate or formulation will be a more potent, longer lasting, and require smaller and less frequent dosing. This translates into lowered healthcare costs and more convenient drug administration schedules for patients. The carrier-drug conjugates can also provide subcutaneous or transdermal routes of administration as alternatives to intravenous injection. These routes can be self-administered by patients and thus improve patient compliance.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the levels of DBP can be increased as part of the carrier-drug therapy. It has been reported that estrogen can increase DBP levels (Speeckaert et al., Clinica Chimica Acta 371:33). It is contemplated here that levels of DBP can be increased by administration of estrogen for more effective delivery of carrier-drug conjugates.

In yet another aspect of the invention, it is contemplated that the carrier can be used to deliver drugs transdermally. Since DBP normally transports UV activated vitamin D at locations close to the surface of the skin, the use of a transdermal delivery system with the carrier becomes feasible.

In order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner. In particular, the compositions and methods disclosed herein function with all non-hormonal forms of vitamin D, including homologs, analogs, and metabolites thereof. This includes vitamin D₃ as used in the examples below.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation Exemplary Carriers for Coupling Therapeutic RNA Compounds to Non-Hormonal Vitamin D at the C25 Position

Exemplary carriers were prepared containing vitamin D and 2 kDa PEG scaffolds. One exemplary carrier was thiol-reactive and comprised vitamin D-PEG with a maleimide reactive group at the C25 position. Another exemplary carrier was amine-reactive and comprised vitamin D-PEG with an NHS-reactive group. These reagents were prepared as described in WO2013172967 (Soliman et al.), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example 2 Preparation of an Exemplary Amino-Terminal Reactive Carrier for Coupling Insulin Peptides to Non-Hormonal Vitamin D at the C3 Position

An exemplary amino-terminal reactive carrier was prepared containing an aldehyde reactive group connected to the C3 position of vitamin D and a 2 kDa PEG scaffold (VitD-(3)-PEG_(2k)-aldehyde). The aldehyde on the carrier in this example is used to conjugate to a free amino-terminus groups on morpholinos, peptide/RNA hybrids, and other molecules known in the art. The synthesis is outlined in FIG. 1.

Briefly, (S,Z)-3-((E)-2-((1R,3aS,7aR)-1-((R)-6-hydroxy-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-7a-methylhexahydro-1H-inden-4(2H)-ylidene)ethylidene)-4-methylenecyclohexanol (compound Va, 20 mg, 0.049 mmol, 1 equiv., purchased from Toronto Research Chemicals, catalog number C125700, also known as calcifediol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D) was dissolved in a mixture of anhydrous tert-butanol and acetonitrile (10:1, 1 mL), cooled to 4° C. Acrylonitrile (26.6 mg, 0.5 mmol, 10 equiv.) was added to it followed by Triton B, 40% aqueous solution, 10 μL). The mixture was stirred at 4° C. for 2.5 h. The reaction was quenched with cold 2% HCl (10 mL), the aqueous phase was extracted with ether (2×10 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to obtain the crude product. This material was purified by flash chromatography (TLC, silica gel, 50% ethyl acetate in hexanes) with 5-20% EtOAc/hexanes as eluent to isolate the desired product, 3-(((S,Z)-3-((E)-2-((1R,3aS,7aR)-1-((R)-6-hydroxy-6-methylheptan-2-yl)-7a-methylhexahydro-1H-inden-4(2H)-ylidene)ethylidene)-4-methylenecyclohexyl)oxy)propanenitrile, compound V (15 mg, 68%) as a white solid (R_(f) 0.2 silica gel, 40% EtOAc in hexanes). NMR analysis did not show any appreciable amount of solvents.

To a solution of aluminum chloride (66 mg, 0.495 mmol) in anhydrous ether (2 mL) at 0° C. under argon was added a solution of lithium aluminum hydride (1M in ether, 19 mg, 0.5 mL, 0.5 mmol) dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 5 min., a solution of compound Vc (15 mg, 0.033 mmol) in ether (3 mL) was added to it dropwise, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 5 min and then at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction was monitored by MS and TLC (silica gel, 10% MeOH/CHCl₃/0.1% NH₄OH). Ethyl acetate (1 mL) and water (1 mL) were added to the reaction mixture followed by 5% NaOH (5 mL). The organic phase was separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (5 mL) and ether (5 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (5 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated on a rotavap to afford the desired amine, (R)-6-((1R,3aS,7aR,E)-4-((Z)-2-((S)-5-(3-aminopropoxy)-2-methylenecyclohexylidene)ethylidene)-7a-methyloctahydro-1H-inden-1-yl)-2-methylheptan-2-ol, compound Vd (12.5 mg, 82%) as a pale yellow oil. R_(f) 0.2 (silica gel, 20% MeOH/DCM/0.2% NH₄OH). The NMR analysis revealed the presence ˜8% of ethyl acetate.

Compound Vd (12.5 mg, 0.0273 mmol, 1 equiv.), compound Ve (hydroxyl PEG NHS ester, MW 2000 with n≅45 where n is the number of repeating CH₂CH₂O units, Jenkem Technology USA #A-5076, 43 mg, 0.0216 mmol, 0.8 equiv.) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (0.1 mL). Triethylamine (12 mg, 16 μl, 0.11 mmol, 4 equiv.) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 h at room temperature under nitrogen. The sample was dried under a stream of nitrogen to afford the crude compound Vf, which was purified by flash chromatography using 5-10% MeOH/dichloromethane as eluent to isolate the desired product Vf as a white foam (30 mg, 38%). R_(f) 0.4 (silica gel, 10% methanol in dichloromethane). ¹H NMR analysis of the isolated material confirmed its identity and purity.

To a solution of compound Vf (30 mg, 0.0123 mmol, 1 equiv.), tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (1.0 mg, 0.00284, 0.23 equiv.) and N-methylmorpholine-N-Oxide (4.3 mg, 0.0369 mmol, 3equiv.) in 2 mL of dry dichloromethane was added powdered 4 A° molecular sieves (500 mg) and the reaction mixture was flushed with N₂. The reaction flask was covered with aluminum foil to avoid light and it was stirred at room temperature for 36 h. Since the R_(f) of both starting material and product is same on TLC (silicagel, 10% MeOH/dichloromethane), formation of the product was confirmed by examining the ¹HNMR of an aliquot. The reaction mixture was filtered through the pad of Celite in a pipette with dichloromethane (15 mL) and N₂ pressure. The combined organics were concentrated under a flow of N₂ and dried on high vacuum for 2 h to get 35 mg (100%) of the crude product TLC (R_(f): 0.3, 10% MeOH/dichloromethane, staining with PMA). A second run of reaction under the exactly same conditions yielded another 35 mg of the product. ¹H NMR of the product from both batches is same and hence combined to get 70 mg of compound V, VitD-(3)-PEG_(2k)-aldehyde.

Example 3 Preparation of an Exemplary Thiol-Reactive Carrier for Coupling Therapeutic RNA Compounds to Non-Hormonal Vitamin D at the C3 Position

An exemplary thiol-reactive carrier comprising vitamin D with a maleimide reactive group connected to the C3 position of vitamin D (VitD-(3)-PEG_(2k)-maleimide) was prepared. The maleimide on the carrier in this example was used to conjugate to a free thiol on the protein and peptide in the examples below. The synthesis is outlined in FIG. 2.

Briefly, compound Vd (23 mg, 0.05 mmol, 1 equiv.) prepared as in Example 2, compound VIa (Creative Pegworks cat. # PHB-956, MAL-PEG-COOH, 2 k with n≅45 where n is the number of repeating CH₂CH₂O units, 79 mg, 0.0395 mmol, 0.8 equiv.) and 2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide (32 mg, 0.125 mmol, 2.5 equiv.) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (1 mL). Triethylamine (20.4 mg, 28 μl, 0.2 mmol, 4 equiv.) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at room temperature under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (20 mL), washed with 5% aqueous citric acid (20 mL), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (20 mL), and brine (20 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated at 30° C. The sample was purified by silica gel (10 g) flash chromatography. The column was eluted with 1-10% MeOH/dichloromethane. Fractions containing pure product were combined together and evaporated on a rotavap, while maintaining the temperature at 30° C. The sample was dried under a stream of nitrogen to afford compound VI, VitD-(3)-PEG_(2k)-maleimide as a brown gum (58 mg, 48%) (R_(f) 0.25, silica gel, 10% methanol in dichloromethane). ¹H NMR analysis of the isolated material confirmed its identity and purity.

Example 4 Preparation of an Exemplary Amine-Reactive Carrier for Coupling Therapeutic RNA Compounds to Non-Hormonal Vitamin D at the C3 Position

An exemplary amine-reactive carrier comprising vitamin D with an NHS reactive group connected to the C3 position of vitamin D (VitD-(3)-PEG_(1.3k)-NHS) was prepared. The NHS on the carrier in this example was used to conjugate to a free thiol on the protein and peptide in the examples below. The synthesis is outlined in FIG. 3.

Briefly, compound Vd (20 mg, 0.044 mmol, 1 equiv.) and compound VIIa (Quanta Biodesign cat. #10140, with n=25 where n is the number of repeating CH₂CH₂O units, 44 mg, 0.0346 mmol, 0.8 equiv.) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (1 mL). Triethylamine (22.0 mg, 31 μl, 0.22 mmol, 5 equiv.) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (20 mL), washed with 5% aqueous citric acid (20 mL), and brine (20 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated while maintaining the temperature at 30° C. The sample was purified by silica gel (10 g) flash chromatography. The column was eluted with 1-10% MeOH/dichloromethane. Fractions containing pure product were combined together and evaporated on a rotavap, while maintaining the temperature below 30° C. The sample was dried under a stream of nitrogen to afford compound VIIb as a brown gum (33 mg, 56%) (R_(f) 0.20, silica gel, 10% methanol in dichloromethane). ¹H NMR analysis of the isolated material confirmed its identity.

Compound VIIb (31 mg, 0.018 mmol, 1 equiv.), N-hydroxysuccinimide (6.3 mg, 0.055 mmol, 3 equiv.), and EDCI (8.6 mg, 0.045 mmol, 2.5 eq.) were dissolved in anhydrous THF (2 mL). Triethylamine (7.4 mg, 10 μL, 0.073 mmol, 4 equiv.) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature under nitrogen. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (20 mL) and washed with 5% aqueous citric acid (20 mL), and brine (20 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated while maintaining the temperature at 30° C. The sample was dried under a stream of nitrogen to afford compound VII, VitD-(3)-PEG_(2k)-NHS, as a brown gum (38.6 mg, >100%) (R_(f) 0.25, silica gel, 10% methanol in dichloromethane). ¹H NMR analysis of the isolated material confirmed its identity and purity.

Example 5 Preparation of Inhibitory RNA (RNAi) Coupled to Non-Hormonal Vitamin D at the C3 Position

In this example, the VitD-(25)-PEG_(2K)-NHS carrier from Example 1 and the VitD-(3)-PEG_(1.3K)-NHS (Compound VII from Example 4) are conjugated to siRNA in order to extend the half-life and enhance cell penetration of the siRNA.

Synthesis of VitD-(2S)-PEG2K-siRNA

RNA oligonucleotides listed in Table 3 were synthesized by TriLink BioTechnologies (San Diego, Calif.). The oligonucleotides were modified to impart resistance to nucleases, contain a 5′-amine modification for coupling to NHS-activated vitamin D carriers, and contain an optional Cy3 fluorophore for visual tracking and sensitive quantitation of the oligonucleotides. One of the siRNA molecules is complementary to sequences within the MAP4K4 gene. The other is not complementary to any genomic sequences (negative control).

TABLE 3 Sequence name Gene target 5′-modification 3′-modification NTC2_N Negative control NH₂ None NTC_N_cy3 Negative control NH₂ Cy3 10001_N_0 MAP4K4 NH₂ Cy3

The anti-MAP4K4 sdRNA sequences are as follows:

Antisense strand: (SEQ ID NO: 7) PmU.A.G.A.fC.fU.fU.fC.fC.A.mC#A#mG#A#mA#mC#mU#mC#U  Sense strand: (SEQ ID NO: 8) mC.mU.G.mU.G.G.mA.A.G.mU.mC#mU#mA1 where “.” is a phosphate atom, “#” is thiophosphate, “m” is 2′Ome, “f” is 2′-Fluoro, “1” is Cholesterol, and “P” is the 5′ phosphate.

Similarly, the negative control (non-targeting control or NTC) sequence is as follows:

Antisense strand: (SEQ ID NO: 9) PmU.fC.G.fC.G.A.fA.A.fC.A.fU.G.mU.A#A#A#mC#mC#A#A  Sense strand: (SEQ ID NO: 10) mU.mU.A.mC.A.mU.G.mU.mU.mU.mC.G.mC#mG#mA1 where “.” is a phosphate atom, “#” is thiophosphate, “m” is 2′Ome, “f” is 2′-Fluoro, “1” is Cholesterol, and “P” is the 5′ phosphate. The basic nucleic acids sequences are in SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 4.

The oligonucleotides bearing a 5′-amine modification (10 mM) were mixed with the VitD-(25)-PEG2K-NHS carrier (200 mM) in 10 mM HEPES pH=8.5 and allowed to react at room temperature for two hours. The conjugation was confirmed by analysis using a 15% TBE-urea PAGE gel with visualization provided by SYBR® Gold Nucleic Acid Gel Stain (Life Technologies, catalog # S-11494) or Cy3 fluorescence. The conjugated oligonucleotides were purified using C18 spin columns (Thermo Scientific Pierce catalog # 89870) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, the conjugates were loaded on the C18 resin in 10% acetonitrile in C18 buffer (25 mM HEPES and 25 mM NH4Cl), washed with solution containing incremental increases of acetonitrile up to 20%, and then eluted with 50% acetonitrile. The samples were dried under vacuum and analyzed by 15% TBE-urea PAGE as above. Oligonucleotide concentrations were determined by measuring the UV absorbance at 260 nm and using the extinction coefficient as calculated by the manufacturer (TriLink BioTechnologies).

Synthesis of VitD-(3)-PEG_(1.3k)-siRNA

The VitD-(3)-PEG_(1.3)K-NHS carrier (compound 21, example 3) is conjugated to amine-modified oligonucleotides listed in Table 3 in a similar fashion as described above for the VitD-(25)-PEG_(2K)-NHS carrier. The siRNA and scaffolds that may be conjugated at the C3 position of a non-hormonal vitamin D are not limited to the particular ones in this example.

Activity of siRNA Constructs in Cell-Based mRNA Knockdown Assay:

RNA-carrier conjugates were mixed in equimolar amounts with a complementary oligonucleotide and annealed to form a double-stranded siRNA product. 60 mM of each oligonucleotide strand were annealed by first heating for 1 minute at 95 degrees C. and then cooled at room temperature for one hour.

HeLa cells were trypsinized, counted, and resuspended in EMEM medium (ATCC catalog #:30-2003) containing 6% FBS (Gibco catalog #: 16140071). 50 ml of siRNA in 0% FBS EMEM medium was added to each well of a 96-well plate. 6000 cells in 50 ml of medium were then added to each well. The final concentration of siRNA ranged from 0.4 to 2 mM. Cells and siRNA were incubated for 48 hours, the medium was removed, and the cells were washed once with PBS. Total RNA was isolated using Purelink™ Pro 96 Total RNA Purification Kit (Ambion catalog #: 12173-011A) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Total RNA was used undiluted and quantitated with Quanta qScript XLT One-Step RT-qPCR Tough Mix, Rox (VWR catalog #:89236-672) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The following TaqMan® probes were used: Human GAPDH Endogenous Control, VIC®-labeled MGB Probe, Primer limited (ABI catalog #4326317E, 150 nM primers, 250 nM probe) and probe from Human MAP4K4 TaqMan® Gene Expression Assay (TaqMan®, Hs00377405_m1, FAM-labeled, 900 nM primers, 250 nM probe).

MAP4K4 mRNA was normalized to the ubiquitous GAPDH mRNA, as well as to exogenously added negative control siRNA (NTC_N_cy3). MAP4K4 mRNA is shown in FIG. 4 as a function of siRNA concentration. The cy3-MAP4K-PEG_(2K)-(25)-VitD conjugate was superior to the unmodified siRNA, cy3-MAP4K-NH₂, at knocking down mRNA levels of its target gene and shows similar activity as the cy3-MAP4K siRNA. This demonstrates that conjugation of siRNA to vitamin D results in about the same activity as unmodified siRNA, and in some cases superior activity. Imaging of HeLa cells after incubation with cy3-MAP4K-PEG_(2K)-(25)-VitD confirmed that the fluorescent conjugate was delivered into the interior of the cells (Data not shown).

EXEMPLARY SEQUENCES (MAP4 Kinase 4 siRNA antisense strand) SEQ ID NO: 1  UAGACUUCCACAGAACUCU (NTC2_N siRNA antisense strand) SEQ ID NO: 2  UCGCGAAACAUGUAAACCAA (MAP4 Kinase 4 siRNA sense strand) SEQ ID NO: 3  CUGUGGAAGUCUA (NTC2_N siRNA sense strand) SEQ ID NO: 4  UUACAUGUUUCGCGA (Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP)) SEQ ID NO: 5  MKRVLVLLLAVAFGHALERGRDYEKNKVCKEFSHLGKEDFTSLSLVLYSR KFPSGTFEQVSQFVKEVVSFTEACCAEGADPDCYDTRTSAFSAKSCESNS PFPVHPGTAECCTKEGFERKLCMAALKHQPQEFPTYVEPTNDEICEAFRK DPKEYANQFMWEYSTNYGQAPLSLLVSYTKSYLSMVGSCCTSASPTVCFL KERLQLKHLSLLTTLSNRVCSQYAAYGEKKSRLSNLIKLAQKVPTADLED VLPLAEDITNILSKCCESASEDCMAKELPEHTVKLCDNLSTKNSKFEDCC QEKTAMDVFVCTYFMPAAQLPELPDVELPTNKDVCDPGNTKVMDKYTFEL SRRTHLPEVFLSKVLEPTLKSLGECCDVEDSTTCFNAKGPLLKKELSSFI DKGQELCADYSENTFTEYKKKLAERLKAKLPDATPTELAKLVNKHSDFAS NCCSINSPPLYCDSEIDAELKNIL (Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP)) SEQ ID NO: 6  TTTAATAATAATTCTGTGTTGCTTCTGAGATTAATAATTGATTAATTCAT AGTCAGGAATCTTTGTAAAAAGGAAACCAATTACTTTTGGCTACCACTTT TACATGGTCACCTACAGGAGAGAGGAGGTGCTGCAAGACTCTCTGGTAGA AAAATGAAGAGGGTCCTGGTACTACTGCTTGCTGTGGCATTTGGACATGC TTTAGAGAGAGGCCGGGATTATGAAAAGAATAAAGTCTGCAAGGAATTCT CCCATCTGGGAAAGGAGGACTTCACATCTCTGTCACTAGTCCTGTACAGT AGAAAATTTCCCAGTGGCACGTTTGAACAGGTCAGCCAACTTGTGAAGGA AGTTGTCTCCTTGACCGAAGCCTGCTGTGCGGAAGGGGCTGACCCTGACT GCTATGACACCAGGACCTCAGCACTGTCTGCCAAGTCCTGTGAAAGTAAT TCTCCATTCCCCGTTCACCCAGGCACTGCTGAGTGCTGCACCAAAGAGGG CCTGGAACGAAAGCTCTGCATGGCTGCTCTGAAACACCAGCCACAGGAAT TCCCTACCTACGTGGAACCCACAAATGATGAAATCTGTGAGGCGTTCAGG AAAGATCCAAAGGAATATGCTAATCAATTTATGTGGGAATATTCCACTAA TTACGGACAAGCTCCTCTGTCACTTTTAGTCAGTTACACCAAGAGTTATC TTTCTATGGTAGGGTCCTGCTGTACCTCTGCAAGCCCAACTGTATGCTTT TTGAAAGAGAGACTCCAGCTTAAACATTTATCACTTCTCACCACTCTGTC AAATAGAGTCTGCTCACAATATGCTGCTTATGGGGAGAAGAAATCAAGGC TCAGCAATCTCATAAAGTTAGCCCAAAAAGTGCCTACTGCTGATCTGGAG GATGTTTTGCCACTAGCTGAAGATATTACTAACATCCTCTCCAAATGCTG TGAGTCTGCCTCTGAAGATTGCATGGCCAAAGAGCTGCCTGAACACACAG TAAAACTCTGTGACAATTTATCCACAAAGAATTCTAAGTTTGAAGACTGT TGTCAAGAAAAAACAGCCATGGACGTTTTTGTGTGCACTTACTTCATGCC AGCTGCCCAACTCCCCGAGCTTCCAGATGTAGAGTTGCCCACAAACAAAG ATGTGTGTGATCCAGGAAACACCAAAGTCATGGATAAGTATACATTTGAA CTAAGCAGAAGGACTCATCTTCCGGAAGTATTCCTCAGTAAGGTACTTGA GCCAACCCTAAAAAGCCTTGGTGAATGCTGTGATGTTGAAGACTCAACTA CCTGTTTTAATGCTAAGGGCCCTCTACTAAAGAAGGAACTATCTTCTTTC ATTGACAAGGGACAAGAACTATGTGCAGATTATTCAGAAAATACATTTAC TGAGTACAAGAAAAAACTGGCAGAGCGACTAAAAGCAAAATTGCCTGATG CCACACCCACGGAACTGGCAAAGCTGGTTAACAAGCACTCAGACTTTGCC TCCAACTGCTGTTCCATAAACTCACCTCCTCTTTACTGTGATTCAGAGAT TGATGCTGAATTGAAGAATATCCTGTAGTCCTGAAGCATGTTTATTAACT TTGACCAGAGTTGGAGCCACCCAGGGGAATGATCTCTGATGACCTAACCT AAGCAAAACCACTGAGCTTCTGGGAAGACAACTAGGATACTTTCTACTTT TTCTAGCTACAATATCTTCATACAATGACAAGTATGATGATTTGCTATCA AAATAAATTGAAATATAATGCAAACCATAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA A

All publications and patent documents disclosed or referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The foregoing description has been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed:
 1. A carrier-drug conjugate comprising a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated to a therapeutic RNA compound at the carbon 3 position of said non-hormonal vitamin D targeting group.
 2. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 1, wherein said non-hormonal vitamin D is not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position.
 3. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 1, wherein said targeting group is conjugated to said therapeutic RNA compound via a scaffold that is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, and an additional therapeutic peptide.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a carrier-drug conjugate comprising a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated via a scaffold at the carbon 3 position to a therapeutic RNA compound having a nucleic acid sequence with at least a 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein said carrier increases the cellular uptake, absorption, bioavailability, or half-life of said therapeutic RNA compound in circulation.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein said non-hormonal vitamin D is not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position.
 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein said scaffold is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, and an additional therapeutic peptide.
 8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 7, wherein said scaffold is poly(ethylene glycol).
 9. A method of treating a patient in need of a therapeutic RNA compound, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is delivered to said patient by a transdermal, oral, parenteral, subcutaneous, intracutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarticular, intrasynovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intralesional, intracranial injection, infusion, inhalation, ocular, topical, rectal, nasal, buccal, sublingual, vaginal, or implanted reservoir mode.
 11. A method of manufacturing the pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, comprising conjugating said targeting group and said therapeutic RNA compound, wherein said conjugating step utilizes a coupling group.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said coupling group is selected from the group consisting of an amine-reactive group, a thiol-reactive group, a maleimide group, a thiol group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, a haloacetyl group, an iodoacetyl group, a bromoacetyl groups, a SMCC group, a sulfo SMCC group, a carbodiimide group, bifunctional cross-linkers, NHS-maleimido, and combinations thereof.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition resulting from the method of claim 11, wherein said composition comprises a carrier-drug compound containing a linkage selected from the group consisting of a thiol linkage, an amide linkage, an oxime linkage, a hydrazone linkage, and a thiazolidinone linkage.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said conjugating step is accomplished by cycloaddition reactions.
 15. A pharmaceutical carrier comprising a formula I: B-(L)^(a)-S-(M)^(b)-C   I Wherein: B is a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated at the carbon 3 position to L¹; S is a scaffold moiety, comprising poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, polylactic acid, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, or an additional therapeutic moiety; C is an amine-reactive group, a thiol-reactive group, a maleimide group, a thiol group, a disulfide group, an aldehyde group, an NHS-ester group, a 4-nitrophenyl ester, an acylimidazole, a haloacetyl group, an iodoacetyl group, a bromoacetyl groups, a SMCC group, a sulfo SMCC group, a carbodiimide group and bifunctional cross-linkers such as NHS-Maleimido or combinations thereof; L¹ and L² are linkers independently selected from —(CH₂)_(n)—, —C(O)NH—, —HNC(O)—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —O—, —S—S—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NH—; L³ is —(CH₂)_(o)—; n is an integer from 0-3; and o is an integer from 0-3.
 16. The pharmaceutical carrier of claim 15 comprising formula V:


17. The pharmaceutical carrier of claim 15 comprising formula VI:


18. The pharmaceutical carrier of claim 15 comprising formula VII:


19. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising: a. a therapeutic RNA compound, b. a stably attached scaffold, c. a targeting group that is a non-hormonal vitamin D, analog, or metabolite thereof conjugated at the carbon 3 position, wherein after administration to a first test subject, said therapeutic RNA compound has a half life measured by qRT-PCR or other methods of blood samples taken at a plurality of time points that is greater than a half life of said therapeutic RNA compound administered to a second test subject without said stably attached scaffold moiety and targeting group as measured by said qRT-PCR of blood samples taken at said plurality of time points.
 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, wherein said administration to said first and second subjects is accomplished by subcutaneous injection.
 21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, wherein said therapeutic RNA compound is stably attached to said scaffold and targeting group retains about the same activity as said therapeutic RNA compound not stably attached to said scaffold and targeting group as measured by a functional assay.
 22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, wherein a scaffold mass range is selected from the group consisting of 100 Da. to 20,000 Da., 200 Da. to 15,000 Da., 300 Da. to 10,000 Da., 400 Da. to 9,000 Da., 500 Da. to 5,000 Da., 600 Da. to 2,000 Da., 1000 Da. to 200,000 Da., 20.00 Da. to 200,000 Da., 100,000 to 200,000 Da., 5000 Da. to 100,000 Da., 10,000 Da. to 80,000 Da., 20,000 Da. to 60,000 Da., and 20,000 Da. to 40,000 Da.
 23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22, wherein said scaffold is approximately the same mass as the therapeutic RNA compound.
 24. A carrier-drug conjugate comprising a targeting group that is vitamin D, an analog, or a metabolite thereof non-releasably conjugated to a therapeutic RNA compound, wherein said therapeutic RNA compound is conjugated at the carbon 3 position of said non-hormonal vitamin D targeting group.
 25. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 24, wherein said vitamin D is non-hormonal.
 26. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 24, wherein said non-hormonal vitamin D is not hydroxylated at the carbon 1 position.
 27. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 24, wherein said therapeutic RNA compound retains about the same activity as said therapeutic RNA compound not conjugated to said targeting group as measured by a functional assay.
 28. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 24, wherein said targeting group is conjugated to said therapeutic RNA compound via a scaffold that is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), polylysine, polyethyleneimine, poly(propyleneglycol), a peptide, serum albumin, thioredoxin, an immunoglobulin, an amino acid, a nucleic acid, a glycan, a modifying group that contains a reactive linker, a water-soluble polymer, a small carbon chain linker, and an additional therapeutic peptide.
 29. The carrier-drug conjugate of claim 28, wherein said scaffold is approximately the same mass as said therapeutic RNA compound. 